Age well

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Don't let age slow you down

You probably have known people that have aged quite well. Except for a few minor changes in their appearance they seem to have as much spirit and energy as they always had. You want to be just like them, because you also know of some folks that time hasn't been kind to. The question then is how do you age well?

Is there a great secret to aging well?

There really isn't a secret to living well and aging well. Eliminate bad habits like eating the wrong things, eating too much, smoking, too much drinking. Get plenty of sleep and exercise, have regular checkups and you will be well on your way to aging well.

Exercise and aging

Exercise has always been the one-two punch in avoiding illness and slowing down aging. Diet works in concert with exercise. Is exercise different for older people? No, no matter what age you are you can start exercising. But you should always start out slow in the beginning and gradually increase your effort. Of course if you have a history of illness or you are starting to exercise at a later age it is always a good idea to see a doctor so they can give you an ok to begin.

Types of Exercise

Aerobic exercises
The most common type of aerobic exercise is walking, which is something that you can do almost anywhere. Its great for the heart and it is helpful if you are trying to lose a few pounds. Swimming is another great aerobic exercise along with bike riding.

Anaerobic exercise
Strength training is considered an anaerobic exercise. Strength Training for Older People is especially important because it helps increase metabolism and it slows down bone mass loss.

Books on aging

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An ounce of prevention

Have regular doctor checkups so if there is a problem you can catch it in time.

Make sure that you especially keep an eye on your blood pressure and cholesterol

Prepare for you retirement

Hopefully you have been preparing for retirement. Whether it is putting money into a 401k or saving on your own it is important to be ready for that time when you are no longer working. Social security's future is shaky at best so it isn't a good idea to depend on that exclusively. If you do have a 401K check to make sure that your investments aren't that risky, you don't want to lose a sizeable chunk before you retire. Personal finance for older adults is vital to a happy retirement.

Organize Yourself Online

Proper nutrition for aging well

A healthy diet is important to anyone but especially to older people. If you want to age gracefully and in good health you must eat right. The government has a handy PDF file that you can download that addresses the issue of nutrition and aging. It goes over what to eat and how much. It also goes over an issue that is generally overlooked, keeping food safe.

News about aging

Appalachia aging faster than rest of U.S.
Basham helps craft quilts that are sold to support the Nicholas County Senior Citizens Center. The senior center feeds 500 people per month, and Basham said more would come if only they had transportation from their mountain homes.
Lake County Council on Aging seeking nominations for Senior Citizens Hall of Fame
By News-Herald staff The Lake County Council on Aging has announced an open call for candidates for the 18th annual Lake County Senior Citizens Hall of Fame. The Hall of Fame is supported by the Lake County Council on Aging and inductees will be ...
SENIORS: Groups fear Patrick cuts could leave elders unfed
Elder Nutrition Program funding does not generally come directly to local councils on aging or senior centers, but to other agencies that provide the meals, said Barbara Farnsworth, chairwoman of the Massachusetts Association of Councils on Aging.
Appalachia's aging population is rising fast
Basham helps craft quilts that are sold to support the Nicholas County Senior Citizens Center. The senior center feeds 500 people per month, and Basham said more would come if only they had transportation from their mountain homes.

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Keep your mind sharp

  • Reading is enjoyable and great exercise for the mind.
  • Learn a new language, challenge yourself!
  • Do volunteer work for charities, you will be helping others and yourself
  • Learn to play an instrument
  • Engage in a new activity like painting, writing or some sort of hobby
  • Get your rest is good advice for anyone

Positive attitude

You are becoming older like everyone else on the planet. You don't like it and you feel discouraged. Don't be, worrying about getting older brings on stress which can lead to health problems. A positive outlook, which may sound trite, will make other aspects of your life easier to tolerate.

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Stay emotionally fit

Coping with depression

You are getting older and things don't always seem to be the same. Some folks don't have a problem with aging but for others it can be a sad time that they may not be able to emotionally handle. This often leads to depression. If you feel that way or know someone who is going through that try to get help from your doctor. He can guide you in the right direction if you need counseling or other medical care.

Older folks stuff

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Retirement preparation

Does coffee make you smarter!

According to Time, coffee, rather the caffeine, helps us our brain to focus better. But it really doesn't make us smarter.
Staying active not only means exercising but it also means to stay active mentally.

Make an emergency plan

Once again this is good advice for anyone. Be prepared when an emergency happens. Check out the following site for more information

My Grandfather lived to be 94

My grandfather, who was a farmer, lived to be 94 years old. although I never spoke to him about it I think that I know his secret of longevity. He went to bed early every night at the same time and woke up at the same time every morning. He spent most of day outside working. He ate every little food. And that was it.
My wife's grandfather had a very similar life, a farmer, ate little, kept a regular sleeping routine and he also lived to be 94.
It is something to think about.

Heredity and aging

Is it in your genes? Old age runs in some families.

Valuable links on aging and health

Eat Right
American Dietetic Association - food and nutrition information
Aging Statistics
Good information on Aging America
National Institute on Aging
Government Institute for research on aging

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davidstillwagon

Hi, I'm David Stillwagon. I live in Atlanta with my wife and son. I blog on health and age issues.
I am originally from Uniontown Pa. I have lived in...
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